Most researchers and agronomists now consider Chromolaena odorata as a pest plant that should be fought by any means. A review of existing publications indicates that this reaction is based more on a fear of the invasion capabilities of C. odorata than an objective assessment of its impact. Along with studies in agronomy and indigenous knowledge from the humid tropics, recent findings indicate that C. odorata can improve soil fertility in surface layers of tropical acid soils. If such results are accurate and methods for controlled use of C. odorata in agriculture can be developed, than a solution for problems linked to acid soils and sustainable agriculture in tropical Africa may have been found. In conclusion, there is an urgent need for an objective assessment of problems linked to C. odorata as well as an assessment of its potential agricultural uses. These two new research directions are essential prerequisites to launching vast and costly global control programs.